A 17-year-old boy has been found guilty of a Christmas Day hammer attack that left his teenage victim in hospital for months.

The thug, of South Norwood, bludgeoned the 16-year-old in the face with the weapon at a house in Howard Road on December 25 last year.

He also attacked a second 16-year-old boy, who was not seriously hurt.

The more seriously wounded victim spent months in hospital recovering from devastating head injuires.

His attacker, who also allegedly made off with £200 in cash following the assault, was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm and assault at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday.

A jury cleared him of robbery.

The 17-year-old was arrested on May 19 after police released CCTV footage in public appeal to find him.

He will be sentenced on December 1.